MTX/ Hydroxy/ vaccine

[gilox]

Hi I’m due to have my 2nd vaccine on Thursday, I’m due my Mtx tomorrow, also hydroxy daily, just can’t remember if I had to stop both before or just MTX can anyone help? Thankyou!

[Hidden]

Unfortunately, I don’t think you’re going to get a definite answer, as pretty much everyone has been told different things depending on the team they’re under. Where I am, the advice is no one needs to stop any medication at all, including biologics. Other people have been told to stop some meds, not others. Some people have been told to stop all. Before, not after. After, not before. Before AND after. The only people that can really guide you is your own team.

[helixhelix in reply to Hidden]

Yup. Exactly that!

Sorry but you have to get the answer from your own medical team.

[gilox in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Charlie, it’s just that the appointment came through today injection of MTX due tomorrow, as I’m flaring badly think I will chance it, as I can’t contact rheumatology until Monday!

[Hidden in reply to gilox]

I know, it’s really difficult when things pop up short notice, and worst still on a bloomin’ weekend! I doubt the out of hours GP would be much help, but you could always try that route and see if maybe they can speak to the on-call rheum reg at the hospital on your behalf, or offer any alternative solutions.

[allanah]

Look on the search tool above but this is for the medics im afraid x

[Bandido]

I had my pfizer jab yesterday and due to take MTX 25mg tomorrow. (I am uniquely between being a uk patient and now registered with spain now but days away from first rhuematologist appointment). RA is vastly overactive Immune System attacking me because it's bored. So I decided that I will not take MTX this week and so let the IS have free reign to fight that antivirus. So far no problem. I did the same for two major operations in last couple of years and not sorry I did. Nobody has told me to do anything and this is my own logic. It's what you would expect from this old atheist. (15 Years with RA)

[gilox in reply to Bandido]

Think I may not have mine today after all, I’m 18 years in! Do agree it could be beneficial to give the immune system a holiday. Thanks for replying.

[sallygrain]

Hi I have an experience here i didnt ask but decided to stop methatrex hydroxy and baracit for two weeks before because logic dictates you give your body the best chance to generate antibodies . My second was with 3 days notice so i couldnt stop for more then 3 days but by then i was in full flare and struggling. I now wish i hadnt as i cannot have a steroid to get me through it as i am waiting for barbotage to shoulder which involves steroid jab . The rheumy nurse said advice to withhold drugs depends largely on the combo of drugs you are on as well as some personal judgement from the Rheumy .

[gilox in reply to sallygrain]

Thank you! I’ve decided to miss this week know it’s only 4 days, but as I had no reaction from my 1st vaccine & stopped meds’ a week before think it’s best not to risk it!

[oldtimer]

The theory is that you may have a better response to the vaccine is you are not on the methotrexate when you have it. But if that means that you will have a flare, then you may be more at risk from the actual infection...That's why it has to be individually tailored to your current state.

You are still going to have a response to the vaccine if you continue with your medication so I know which I would go for if I was having a flare!

[Poshcards]

My rheumy told me to stop metho for one week before and after jab, hope this helps xx

[gilox]

Thank you, oh by the way I’m English!

[Sallysuk]

I contacted my GP before I had my first jab as to whether I suspend mtx and sulfasalazine and she contacted my rheumatologist and they both said not to stop meds. However as rheumatologist is most insistent that I stop meds when I get any infection I decided to not take mtx (due night before the jab) as it seemed reasonable to allow my body to only have to cope with the vaccine, Did the same with my second jab 31st March. Know I went against medical advice but if I have to stop taking mtx if I get a cold why not a covid vaccine that they are still learning about.

[HanaleiBa]

If you’re looking for a good overview of the Korean study this is based on, along with the positions of various medical bodies, this is a good overview (I’ve read them all, as well as the original research, and found this a nice summary for my RA friends): creakyjoints.org/living-wit...

[Boxerlady in reply to HanaleiBa]

Thank you for that - a good, clear explanation 😊🙏

[ketiv74]

Hi Gilox, My Rheumatologist told me to skip Mtx for a week after each vaccine dose but continue with Hydroxy Chloroquine. I just had my 1st vaccine dose on Sat after my regular Mtx inj on Thursday. Apart from some mild headache & body ache on the day of vaccine, I am feeling ok. So I am planning to take my next Mtx on Thursday as usual. Hope this helps.